Breast and Chestfeeding Tips from our Lactation Consultant for World Breastfeeding Week

For this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, we wanted to share some tips and advice from our Senior Midwife and Lactation Consultant Clare on how to have the best breastfeeding and chestfeeding experience, whether this is your first time or if you have fed before.

Our 5 top tips for breast and chestfeeding

1. Start early

Start thinking about your breastfeeding intentions early, speak to your midwife and book onto our antenatal classes if you would like extra preparation.

2. Hold your baby close

Skin-to-skin is essential for all babies, not only does it support brain growth but it helps babies to gently transition onto the breast. Hold your baby close as much as you can and respond to all their needs.

3. Ask for help

Most mothers and birthing people find the first week of breastfeeding throws a few challenges their way, asking for support is the best way to succeed. Sleepy babies, babies learning to latch and waiting for milk to come in is all temporary.

4. Learn how to hand express

This will support your breasts to produce more milk and its a great way to feed babies who are still learning to latch.

5. Be kind to yourself

Feeding is as new skill for both you and baby and it can take some time to master and enjoy. Always be kind and patient with yourself.

How we support new mothers and birthing people with feeding

We are very proud to have an IBCLE-qualified lactation consultant, our Senior Midwife Clare, as part of the team at The Kensington Wing to help support new mums with feeding. Many of our patients find that meeting a Lactation Consultant during their pregnancy can help them to prepare for their feeding journey, especially those who are wanting to feed for the first time, or have had difficulties breast or chestfeeding previous babies. A personalised feeding plan will be discussed with you and shared with the midwives who will be caring for you when your baby is born.

Once baby has arrived a full feeding assessment can take place, with expert help and advice to support baby to latch to the breast and feed well. A gentle and realistic feeding plan which places baby at the centre will help parents to feel empowered to understand their baby’s feeding cues, learn how to latch their baby themselves, and assess that baby is getting enough milk.

Some parents find once they have gone home they need a little more support. We are happy for you to come back with your baby and discuss issues which may include painful feeding/sore nipples, reduced milk supply or blocked milk ducts and mastitis. Parents may want their baby to be assessed for tongue-tie, reflux and to assess baby’s growth.

For more information or to talk to one of the team, call us on 020 3315 8616 or email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea with a Midwife

Join us at The Kensington Wing for a ‘meet the...
Breast and Chestfeeding Tips from our Lactation Consultant for World Breastfeeding Week

Breast and Chestfeeding Tips from our Lactation Consultant for World Breastfeeding Week

For this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, we wanted to share...
TKW-gold-accreditation

The Kensington Wing receives Gold ward accreditation

For a second year in a row, The Kensington Wing...